NHL exec slams lackluster class of free agents

The Vegas Golden Knights hoisted Lord Stanley's Cup only days ago, but the NHL schedule marches on, with free agency nearly two weeks away. However, while usually an exciting time, some within the NHL are less than thrilled with this year's crop of free agents. 

According to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, one NHL team executive categorized the 2023 free agent class as "f------ awful." 

The 2022 class featured several big-name players, with the likes of Johnny Gaudreau, Claude Giroux, Nazem Kadri and John Klingberg all finding new homes. Wyshynski pointed out that this year's class doesn't feature many championship pieces or "difference-makers." 

Some intriguing forwards, like Tampa Bay Lightnings' Alex Killorn, Boston Bruins' Tyler Bertuzzi and Toronto Maple Leafs' Ryan O'Reilly, will undoubtedly have a market along with Bruins' defenseman Dmitry Orlov and Carolina Hurricanes' Shayne Gostisbehere. Also, Golden Knights forward Ivan Barbashev and goaltender Adin Hill could cash in on the Stanley Cup glory. The rest of the free agent pool is lackluster at best, aside from several recognizable names in aging stars Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko.

It looks like this year's free agency kick-off won't come close to equaling last year's excitement. But hockey fans can still hope for some drama at the 2023 NHL Draft, starting on Wednesday, June 28, three days before free agents can begin signing.